Costa Rica Eco Adventure 2013

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Arenal Volcano, Costa RicaThe jungle meets the ocean in Costa RicaMonteverde Cloud Forest Sky Walk, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
The jungle meets the ocean in Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest Sky Walk, Costa Rica
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE SAN JOSE

    Welcome to San Jose! Your journey begins with a warm greeting at the airport from a local host and a complimentary transfer to your hotel. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and travelling companions for a Welcome Reception.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: InterContinental Real Hotel and Club Tower Costa Rica (Deluxe)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 2

    SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (2 NIGHTS)

    After breakfast, head toward the small town of San Isidro de Heredia, where you will be welcomed for a Be My Guest lunch by master chocolatiers, for a taste of gourmet chocolate and an organic lunch. Learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small chocolate workshop. After lunch, continue to Caño Blanco for a river journey through the protected wetlands. Later, stroll the streets of Tortuguero Village and explore the fascinating Green Turtle Research Station. Taste the fresh juice of a coconut, a Local Speciality, after you find the most delicious “pipa” (a variety of coconut) to have cut open and sample.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest / Dinner)

    Hotel: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 3

    TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME

    Cruise the canals and streams of the park today as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters. If you're here between July and September, take an optional excursion to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

  • Day 4

    TORTUGUERO - SARAPIQUI

    Bid adios to the park as you travel along the river before boarding your motorcoach for a visit to the small village of Horquetas. On the way, visit a banana plantation to learn about the Local Speciality of banana production and snack on a just-ripe banana. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the small village of Horquetas, where you'll visit a local Tico family palm plantation to learn about and taste the delicate heart of palm, a Local Speciality. Travel on to tiny Sarapiqui and step off the beaten path in this rarely-visited area surrounded by dense rainforests full of wildlife. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area around your lodge—perhaps you'll spot the endangered great green macaw.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Hacienda Sueno Azul Resort (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    SARAPIQUI - ARENAL

    Rise and shine for a small hike through the Alma ATA Archaeological Park. Transfer to La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the colossal Arenal Volcano. Relax and enjoy some free time at the hotel. This evening, soak in the thermal pools and waterfalls at idyllic Tabacon Hot Springs. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner beside the hot springs in the shadow of the volcano.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

    Hotel: Hotel Arenal Manoa (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6

    ARENAL - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST (2 NIGHTS)

    Straddling Costa Rica's Continental Divide, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to luxuriant vegetation, abundant wildlife, coffee plantations and spectacular views. You'll spend two nights in this most famous of Costa Rican reserves. Upon arrival, ascend to the treetops for a bird's-eye view of the forest on the unforgettable Sky Walk, a chain of six suspension bridges at canopy level. Begin exploring from the grounds of your mountain lodge before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant and meet a native Quaker man, and Local Expert, who will share historical photos and stories of the old town of Monteverde.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: El Establo Mountain Hotel (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 7

    MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME

    Join your expert guide for an excursion through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to innumerable species of animals, birds, insects and plants. Also today, learn about Monteverde's Quaker community's role in dairy production when you visit a local cheese factory and sample one of the country's finest Local Speciality cheeses. Share your experiences with your fellow travellers at a festive Farewell Dinner.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

  • Day 8

    MONTEVERDE - DEPART LIBERIA

    Transfer to Liberia Airport for your flight home (not included in holiday price). Please do not schedule any flights before 12:30 p.m.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Visit Master Chocolatier Julio Fernandez's home and small chocolate workshop for a lunch of local ingredients.
  • Hidden Treasures Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Local Speciality Learn about banana production outside Tortuguero.
  • Local Speciality Visit a local family-owned palm plantation to try the delicate heart of palm.
  • Local Speciality Sample cheese produced by the Quaker community in Monteverde.
  • Local Speciality Refresh yourself by sipping from a freshly cut coconut.
  • Local Expert Meet a Quaker man who will share photos and stories of the old town of Monteverde.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Tortuguero National ParkRide to Tortuguero National Park by river boat; visit Tortuguero Village and the Green Turtle Research Station; cruise the canals in search of wildlife.
  • SarapiquiExplore this beautiful valley surrounded by rainforest; discover pre-Columbian heritage at Alma Ata Archaeological Park.
  • ArenalSee Arenal Volcano; visit Tabacon Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
  • Monteverde Cloud ForestEnjoy a two-night stay near the park; take a guided walk through the Cloud Forest Reserve; visit the Sky Walk to experience the chain of suspension bridges high above the Cloud Forest.

Dining

  • 7 full breakfasts.

  • 3 lunches:

  • Be My Guest lunch with wine near San Isidro de Heredia.

  • 2 buffet lunches.

  • 7 evening meals:

  • Welcome Reception with light appetisers and drinks with your Travel Director in San Jose.

  • Highlight Dinner with wine in Arenal.

  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Monteverde Cloud Forest.

  • 4 buffet dinners.

Travel Highlights

  • First class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and onboard restroom.
  • The services of one of our professional Travel Directors throughout your journey.
  • 7 nights First Class accommodation.
  • Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 8.
  • Complimentary keepsake photo and My Journey book.
  • Audio HeadsetsFor all guided visits and included sightseeing.
  • Umbrellas provided for your use.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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